The Siege of Krishnapur: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Siege of Krishnapur: Analysis of Major Characters" offers an in-depth exploration of the diverse personalities that populate the narrative, set against the backdrop of the East India Company's tumultuous presence in mid-19th century India. Central to the story is Mr. Hopkins, the Collector, whose complex character embodies both dignity and personal turmoil, reflecting the struggles of colonial administrators. Alongside him is George Fleury, a somewhat comical figure whose artistic aspirations clash with the harsh realities of the siege, eventually finding a balance between romantic ideals and modernist practicality. The narrative also features Tom Willoughby, the cynical magistrate, whose rational detachment starkly contrasts with Hopkins' emotionalism.
Additional characters, such as the compassionate Dr. Dunstaple and the resilient Louise Dunstaple, illustrate the evolving roles of women and the impact of personal relationships in times of crisis. The presence of figures like the Reverend Hampton and Dr. McNab highlights the tension between traditional and progressive medical practices during the siege. Ultimately, the interplay of these characters reveals a rich tapestry of human experience, shaped by cultural intersections and the looming specter of colonial conflict. This character analysis provides valuable insights into the themes of duty, human spirit, and the complexities of colonial life, making it a compelling study for those interested in historical narratives.
The Siege of Krishnapur: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: J. G. Farrell
First published: 1973
Genre: Novel
Locale: Northeastern India
Plot: Historical
Time: 1857
Mr. Hopkins, called “the Collector,” the chief adminis-trator of the East India Company in the Krishnapur district of the Bengal Presidency in northeastern India. A large, handsome, brown-haired man with carefully trimmed, low sideburns, he is a fastidious dresser, complete with high collars. Possessing a public sense of dignity and duty, Hopkins is privately moody and often overbearing toward his family. His wife leaves for England, ostensibly after the death of a child, but it seems that the marital relationship was less than happy, for “the Collector” has an eye for the ladies, including a fondness for Miriam Lang. Through Hopkins' roving eye and commentary, the life and position of women in mid-nineteenth century India is illuminated. Hopkins is a well-rounded character capable not only of the highest duty and courage but also of showing grief and fear. Early in the novel, he demonstrates foresight by preparing for the revolt that he believes is coming and fortitude by continuing his actions amid scoffs and general disdain. Hopkins is in command of the defensive operations at Krishnapur once the sepoy revolt. As the British ominously retreat to their second line of defenses, Hopkins symbolically falls ill with cholera but later returns to lead the final retreat and the last stand. Hopkins' character strikes a balance between emotionalism and human spirit versus materialism and scientific progress, a conflict that runs through the novel. By the end of the book, however, Hopkins' faith in both emotionalism and the human spirit seems shattered.
George Fleury, the son of Sir Herbert, who is a director of the East India Company. He has only recently come to India. George is fashionably dressed, but his personality is serious, even somber. He stands in contrast to Louise's other, more carefree, suitors. A musician, a purported writer, and a poet in the Romantic vein, Fleury originally adopts a strident antimaterialistic tone but, by the end of the novel, acquires an almost unqualified appreciation of modernist ideas and gadgetry. Described as slightly fat and perpetually perspiring, Fleury presents a vulnerable and sometimes humorous character. Fleury is capable of cowardice yet also capable of heroism. He is a secondary protagonist; when the main stream of the novel diverts from Hopkins, it is carried along primarily by Fleury. In the end, he marries Louise.
Tom Willoughby, called “the Magistrate,” the chief judicial officer for the Krishnapur district. Somewhat younger than Hopkins, he sports red hair and ginger-colored whiskers. Cold, rational, cynical, and pessimistic concerning human nature, Willoughby has no discernible human attachments. Addicted to the science of phrenology (which asserts that the shape of a person's skull reveals his or her personality), Willoughby makes himself generally detested or, at best, tolerated. Hopkins' decisions are frequently at odds with what Willoughby recommends; the men are antagonists, each being content not to be the other man.
Louise Dunstaple, the local beauty and a target for aspiring suitors; she is blonde, fair, pale, and remote. She is the daughter of Dr. Dunstaple and the sister of Harry. Originally insipid and self-occupied, she learns willpower and how to help others, even the unfortunate Lucy, during the siege.
Dr. Dunstaple, the civilian surgeon, a fat, energetic man with a rosy complexion and a good-humored face. He is also stubborn. His hatred for Dr. McNab becomes so pathological that he drinks cholera-infested water to prove a medical point and, subsequently, dies.
The Reverend M. Hampton, called “the Padre,” a lightly built, unassuming man with a healthy manner (a former rower at Oxford) who becomes sickly with cholera during the defense and has his faith tested during the trials. At times, he appears half crazy in a humorous way that contrasts with the grim surroundings.
Dr. McNab, the Scottish military surgeon, at odds with Dr. Dunstaple over methods of medical treatment. McNab's practices, though unorthodox for his time, are in fact more correct. He is a young widower with a middle-aged air and is also described as gloomy, formal, and reticent. He eventually marries Miriam Lang.
Harry Dunstaple, the brother of Louise and son of Dr. Dunstaple. He is a young lieutenant of a sepoy infantry regiment who is a “manly” opposite of Fleury, at least originally, but both become friends during ensuing adventures and behave with equal gallantry. Harry falls for Lucy, and, despite gossip that her reputation will damage his future, several years after the siege he makes the rank of general.
Miriam Lang, the widowed elder sister of George Fleury. She often embarrasses her brother in front of Louise and others by referring to him by the childhood nickname of “Dobbin.” She represents the more sensible and sure side of feminine nature when compared with the relatively more naïve Louise, who respects her.
Lucy Hughes, a lovely woman “fallen” because of a sexual indiscretion and broken engagement. After contemplating suicide while drunken, Lucy gradually makes herself acceptable to some polite company, including Hopkins, Louise, Miriam, and Harry, although she never wins respectability with the majority of ladies at Krishnapur.
Hari, the son of the local maharaja. The fat-cheeked, black-eyed, and pale-faced Hari, having been educated by English tutors, is the bridge between native Indian and English colonial society. Hari and Fleury are ironical opposites, Hari embracing all the materialism and scientific advances of the West that Fleury views as irrelevant to human progress; each fails to understand the other.
General Jackson, the commanding officer of the garrison at Captainganj, a small, fat, and very forgetful man. At well over seventy years of age, Jackson was appointed by circumstance of seniority rather than by virtue of competence. Because of his behavior, confidence in the ability of the military to handle the uprising is diminished. He represents an obstacle for Hopkins to circumnavigate, for Hopkins intends to take precautions, whereas Jackson supports the alternative opinion that precautions will merely incite the Indians to rebel.